The San Bernardino Symphony will open its 86th season Oct. 4 with a concert themed “Virtuosity,” featuring violinist Roberto Cani, concertmaster of the Los Angeles Opera, playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

Also on the program is Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”

“This is the ultimate season opener that we believe will inspire both our beloved returning audiences and new attendees to come and be amazed at the quality of symphonic music available right here in the Inland Empire,” said Frank Fetta, the orchestra’s music director and conductor.

With the concert’s “Virtuosity” theme, the symphony is also recognizing San Bernardino police officers.

The San Bernardino Symphony has joined forces with local restaurant The Mexico to offer “An Evening Out for Officers” on Oct. 4. Members of the San Bernardino Police Officers Association will be provided with free concert tickets and reduced-priced dinners.

“Essentially, we wanted to also recognize the virtuosic efforts of local public safety officers,” said Judith Valles, symphony board president.

“This has been a difficult year for the people who keep our city safe,” Valles said. “We wanted them to be aware that their work is valued by their community, and we hope people from throughout the community will come out, shake a hero’s hand, and enjoy a wonderful concert together.”

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is considered one of the most technically difficult works for the violin. Written in 1879, it was not performed until four years later.

Fetta said he believes the audience will be more than pleased with Roberto Cani’s interpretation of the concerto.

Cani launched his concert career when he won the Paganini International Competition in Genoa at age 21. In the same year, he also won the Courcillon International Competition in France and the Jeunesses Musicales International Competition in Belgrade.

He also won the national Minetti Prize in Italy and top honors at the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow.

His career has taken him throughout the world.

Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1893 while the composer was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. Dvorak wrote it was inspired in part by his travels in the “wide open spaces” of America and by the melodies of spirituals, which he referred to as “the foundation of a series and original school of composition” with “beautiful and varied themes.”

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the California Theatre, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino.

Season and individual tickets may be purchased by calling 909-381-5388 or visiting the symphony box office at 198 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino. Tickets are also available at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org and with limited availability at the theater box office the evening of each event.

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